Portable coordinate measurement machine

ABSTRACT

A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The jointed arm segments include a rotatable shaft, at least two spaced bearings and a housing surrounding the bearings and shaft wherein races for the bearings are formed by at least one of the following: (1) the shaft constitutes the inner race of at least one of the two bearings and (2) the housing constitutes the outer race of at least one of the two bearings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.11/028,844 filed Jan. 4, 2005, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 10/366,680 filed Feb. 13, 2003 and claims the benefit ofprovisional application Nos. 60/357,599 filed Feb. 14, 2002 and60/394,908 filed Jul. 10, 2002, all of the contents of both provisionalapplications being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates in general to coordinate measurement machines(CMMs) and in particular to portable CMM's having an articulated arm.

2. Prior Art

Currently, portable articulated arms are provided as a measurementsystem with a host computer and applications software. The articulatedarm is commonly used to measure points on an object and these measuredpoints are compared to computer-aided design (CAD) data stored on thehost computer to determine if the object is within the CADspecification. In other words, the CAD data is the reference data towhich actual measurements made by the articulated arm are compared. Thehost computer may also contain applications software that guides theoperator through the inspection process. For many situations involvingcomplicated applications, this arrangement is appropriate since the userwill observe the three-dimensional CAD data on the host computer whileresponding to complex commands in the applications software.

An example of a prior art portable CMM for use in the above-discussedmeasurement system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,582 ('582), whichis assigned to the assignee hereof and incorporated herein by reference.The '582 patent discloses a conventional three-dimensional measuringsystem composed of a manually operated multi-jointed articulated armhaving a support base on one end thereof and a measurement probe at theother end. A host computer communicates to the arm via an intermediatecontroller or serial box. It will be appreciated that in the '582patent, the arm will electronically communicate with the serial boxwhich, in turn, electronically communicates with the host computer.Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,147 ('147), which is againincorporated herein by reference, discloses a similar CMM having anarticulated arm. In this patent, the articulated arm includes a numberof important features including an additional rotational axis at theprobe end thus providing for an arm with either a two-one-three or atwo-two-three joint configuration (the latter case being a 7 axis arm)as well as improved pre-loaded bearing constructions for the bearings inthe arm.

Still other relevant prior art CMMs include commonly assigned U.S. Pat.No. 5,926,782 ('782), which provides an articulated arm having lockabletransfer housings for eliminating one or more degrees of freedom andU.S. Pat. No. 5,956,857 ('857) which provides an articulated arm havinga quick disconnect mounting system.

More current portable CMMs of the type described herein do notnecessitate the use of an intermediate controller or serial box sincethe functionality thereof is now incorporated in the software providedby the host computer. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.5,978,748 ('748), which is incorporated herein by reference, disclosesan articulated arm having an on-board controller which stores one ormore executable programs and which provides the user with instructions(e.g., inspection procedures) and stores the CAD data that serves as thereference data. In the '748 patent, a controller is mounted to the armand runs the executable program which directs the user through a processsuch as an inspection procedure. In such a system, a host computer maybe used to generate the executable program. The controller mounted tothe arm is used to run the executable program but cannot be used tocreate executable programs or modify executable programs. By way ofanalogy to video gaming systems, the host computer serves as theplatform for writing or modifying a video game and the arm mountedcontroller serves as the platform for playing a video game. Thecontroller (e.g., player) cannot modify the executable program. Asdescribed in the '748 patent, this results in a lower cost threedimensional coordinate measurement system by eliminating the need for ahost computer for each articulated arm. U.S. application Ser. No.09/775,236 ('236), assigned to the assignee hereof and incorporatedherein by reference, discloses a method and system for deliveringexecutable programs to users of coordinate measurement systems of thetype disclosed in the '748 patent. The method includes receiving arequest to create an executable program from a customer and obtaininginformation related to the executable program. The executable program isthen developed which guides an operator through a number of measurementsteps to be performed with the three dimensional coordinate measuringsystem. The executable program is delivered to the customer, preferablyover an on-line network such as the Internet.

Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,299 ('299), (all the contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference), discloses an articulated armhaving a display device positioned thereon to allow an operator to haveconvenient display of positional data and system menu prompts. Thedisplay device includes for example, LEDs which indicate system power,transducer position status and error status. U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,928('928), which is assigned to the assignee and incorporated herein byreference, discloses a serial network for the articulated arm. Theserial network communicates data from transducers located in the arm toa controller. Each transducer includes a transducer interface having amemory which stores transducer data. The controller serially addresseseach memory and the data is transferred from the transducer interfacememory to the controller. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,458('458) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,569 ('569) both disclose adjustablecounter balance mechanisms for articulated arm portable CMMs of the typedescribed herein.

While well suited for their intended purposes, there is a continued andperceived need in the industry for improved portable CMMs that areeasier to use, more efficient to manufacture, provide improved featuresand can be sold at a lower cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a portable CMM comprises anarticulated arm having jointed arm segments. In one embodiment, the armsegments include bearing/encoder cartridges which are attached to eachother at predetermined angles using a dual socket joint. Each cartridgecontains at least one, and preferably two, preloaded bearing assembliesand an encoder, preferably an optical encoder, all assembled in acylindrical housing. Preferably, two or more encoder read heads are usedin each joint so as to cause cancellation effects that can be averaged.The arm segments may be threadably interconnected with the arm taperingfrom a wider diameter at its base to a narrower diameter at the probeend.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, one ormore of the jointed arm segments of the articulated arm includesreplaceable protective coverings and/or bumpers to limit high impactshock and abrasion as well as to provide an ergonomically andaesthetically pleasing gripping location.

In still another embodiment of this invention, the articulated armincludes an integrated, internal counter balance in one of the hingejoints. This counter balance utilizes a coil spring having relativelywide end rings and narrower internal rings machined from a metalcylinder. The spring further includes at least two (and preferablythree) posts for locking into the hinge structure of the arm as well asa spring adjustment mechanism.

In still another embodiment of this invention, the articulated armincludes a measurement probe at one end thereof. This measurement probehas an integrally mounted touch trigger probe which is easilyconvertible to a conventional hard probe. The measurement probe alsoincludes improved switches and a measurement indicator light. In oneembodiment, the switches have an arcuate, oblong shape and are easilyarctuatable by the operator. The improved switches include differingcolor, surface texture and/or height which allow the operator to easilydistinguish between them while the indicator light preferably iscolor-coded for ease of operation.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes an articulated armhaving an integral, on-board power supply recharger unit. This powersupply/recharger unit allows for a fully portable CMM and makes it fareasier to use the CMM at a remote location and/or without the need for adirectly cabled articulated arm.

Still another embodiment of the present invention includes anarticulated arm having a measurement probe at one end. The measurementprobe includes a rotatable handle cover and switch assembly whichsurrounds the measurement probe. The rotatable handle cover and switchassembly allows the measurement probe to be more easily held andactivated regardless of hand position. The use of the rotatable handlecover further precludes the necessity for having a third axis ofrotation at the probe end thus allowing for a lower cost and more easilyconstructed portable CMM (relative to 7 axis CMMs or CMMs having a thirdangle of rotation at the measurement probe).

In another embodiment of this invention, a portable CMM includes anarticulated arm having jointed arm segments with a measurement probe atone end thereof and a base at the other end thereof. In accordance witha novel feature of this embodiment, the base has an integrated magneticmount therein for attaching the arm to a magnetic surface. Thisintegrated magnetic mount is preferably threadably connected to thearticulated arm and has an on/off lever for ease of use (which leverpreferably automatically engages when the mount is positioned onto amagnetic surface).

The above-discussed and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are number alike inthe several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the portable CMM of the presentinvention including an articulated arm and attached host computer;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the CMM of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the CMM of FIG. 1 (with the host computerremoved);

FIG. 3A is a right side view of the CMM of FIG. 1 with slightly modifiedprotective sleeves covering two of the long joints;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the CMM of thepresent invention depicting the base and the first articulated armsection;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the CMM of thepresent invention depicting the base, first arm section and partiallyexploded second arm section;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the CMM of thepresent invention depicting the base, first arm section, second armsection and partially exploded third arm section;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view depicting a pair ofencoder/bearing cartridges being assembled between two dual socketjoints in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the bearing/encoder cartridges anddual socket joints of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of a short bearing/encodercartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9A is an exploded, perspective view similar to FIG. 9, but showinga single read head;

FIG. 9B is an exploded, perspective view, similar to FIG. 9, but showingfour read heads;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of FIG. 9B after assembly;

FIG. 9D is an exploded, perspective view, similar to FIG. 9, but showingthree read heads;

FIG. 9E is a perspective view of FIG. 9D after assembly;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cartridge of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded, perspective view of a long bearing/encodercartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11A is an exploded, perspective view similar to FIG. 11, butshowing a single read head;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cartridge of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cartridge of FIG. 12depicting the dual read heads being rotatable with the shaft;

FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of still anotherbearing/encoder cartridge in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13A is an exploded, perspective view similar to FIG. 13, butshowing a single read head;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cartridge of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of a bearing/encoder cartridgeand counter balance spring in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15A is an exploded, perspective view similar to FIG. 15, butshowing a single read head;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the cartridge and counterbalance of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a dual read head assembly for a largerdiameter bearing/encoder cartridge used in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional elevation view along the line 18-18 of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the dual read head assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a dual read head assembly for a smallerdiameter bearing/encoder cartridge in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional elevation view along the line 21-21 of FIG.20;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the dual read head assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23A is a block diagram depicting the electronics configuration forthe CMM of the present invention using a single read head and FIG. 23Bis a block diagram depicting the electronics configuration for the CMMof the present invention using a dual read head;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional elevation view longitudinally through theCMM of the present invention (with the base removed);

FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the CMM of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 24depicting the base and first long joint segment of the CMM of FIG. 24;

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of the interconnection between a long andshort joint in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional elevation view longitudinally through aportion of FIG. 25A;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 24depicting the second and third long joint segments;

FIGS. 26A and B are enlarged cross-sectional views of portions of FIG.24A depicting the second and third long joints as well as the probe;

FIG. 27A is an exploded side elevation view depicting the first shortjoint/counter balance assembly in accordance with the presentinvention;.

FIG. 27B is a perspective view depicting the components of FIG. 27A;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional elevation view depicting the internalcounter balance of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional, side elevation view through a firstembodiment of the measurement probe in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 29A is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a measurementprobe in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional elevation view along the line 29B-29B ofFIG. 29A;

FIG. 29C is a perspective view of a pair of “take” or “confirm” switchesused in FIGS. 29A-B;

FIGS. 30A-C are sequential elevation plan views depicting the integratedtouch probe assembly and conversion to hard probe assembly in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional, side elevation view through still anotherembodiment of a measurement probe in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is an exploded, perspective view of the integrated magnetic basein accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional elevation view through the magnetic base ofFIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the magnetic mount of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a CMM joint from Raab'356 with dual read heads;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a CMM joint from Eaton'148 with

-   -   dual read heads;

FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of a measurement probe with a seventhaxis transducer;

FIG. 38 is a side elevation view, similar to FIG. 37, but including aremovable handle;

FIG. 39 is an end view of the measurement probe of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the measurement probe ofFIG. 38; and

FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 are cross-sectional elevation views depictingalternative cartridge constructions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, the CMM of the present invention is showngenerally at 10. CMM 10 comprises a multijointed, manually operated,articulated arm 14 attached at one end to a base section 12 and attachedat the other end to a measurement probe 28. Arm 14 is constructed ofbasically two types of joints, namely a long joint (for swivel motion)and a short joint (for hinge motion). The long joints are positionedsubstantially axially or longitudinally along the arm while the shortjoints are preferably positioned at 90° to the longitudinal axis of thearm. The long and short joints are paired up in what is commonly knownas a 2-2-2 configuration (although other joint configurations such as2-1-2, 2-1-3, 2-2-3, etc. may be employed) Each of these joint pairs areshown in FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the first joint pair, namely longjoint 16 and short joint 18. FIG. 4 also depicts an exploded view of thebase 12 including a portable power supply electronics 20, a portablebattery pack 22, a magnetic mount 24 and a two-piece base housing 26Aand 26B. All of these components will be discussed in more detailhereinafter.

Significantly, it will be appreciated that the diameters of the variousprimary components of articulated arm 14 will taper from the base 12 tothe probe 28. Such taper may be continuous or, as in the embodimentshown in the FIGURES, the taper may be discontinuous or step-wise. Inaddition, each of the primary components of articulated arm 14 may bethreadably attached thereby eliminating a large number of fastenersassociated with prior art CMMs. For example, and as will be discussedhereafter, magnetic mount 24 is threadably attached to first long joint16. Preferably, such threading is tapered threading which isself-locking and provides for increased axial/bending stiffness.Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, and as discussedhereafter, the primary components of the articulated arm may havecomplimentary tapered male and female ends with associated flanges, suchflanges being bolted together.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second set of a long and short joint is shownbeing attached to the first set. The second joint set includes longjoint 30 and short joint 32. As is consistent with the attachment ofmagnetic mount 24 to long joint 16, long joint 30 is threadably attachedto threading on the interior surface of long joint 16. Similarly, andwith reference to FIG. 6, the third joint set includes a third longjoint 34 and a third short joint 36. Third long joint 34 threadablyattaches to threading on the interior surface of second short joint 32.As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, probe 28 threadablyattaches to short joint 36.

Preferably, each short joint 18, 32 and 36 is constructed of cast and/ormachined aluminum components or alternatively, lightweight stiff alloyor composite. Each long joint 16, 30 and 34 is preferably constructed ofcast and/or machined aluminum, lightweight stiff alloy and/or fiberreinforced polymer. The mechanical axes of the three aforementionedjoint pairs (i.e., pair 1 comprises joint pairs 16, 18, pair 2 comprisesjoint pairs 30, 32 and pair 3 comprises joint pairs 34, 36) are alignedwith respect to the base for smooth, uniform mechanical behavior. Theaforementioned tapered construction from base 12 to probe 28 ispreferred to promote increased stiffness at the base where loads aregreater and smaller profile at the probe or handle where unobstructeduse is important. As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, eachshort joint is associated with a protective bumper 38 on either endthereof and each long probe is covered with a protective sleeve 40 or41. It will be appreciated that the first long joint 16 is protected bythe base housing 26A, B which provides the same type of protection assleeves 40, 41 provide for the second and third long joints 30, 34.

In accordance with an important feature of the present invention, eachof the joints of the articulated arm utilizes a modular bearing/encodercartridge such as the short cartridge 42 and the long cartridge 44 shownin FIGS. 7 and 8. These cartridges 42, 44 are mounted in the openings ofdual socket joints 46, 48. Each socket joint 46, 48 includes a firstcylindrical extension 47 having a first recess or socket 120 and asecond cylindrical extension 49 having a second recess or socket 51.Generally, sockets 120 and 51 are positioned 90 degrees to one anotheralthough other relative, angular configurations may be employed. Shortcartridge 42 is positioned in each socket 51 of dual socket joints 46and 48 to define a hinge joint, while long cartridge 44 is positioned insocket 120 of joint 46 (see FIG. 25) and long cartridge 44′ (see FIG.26) is positioned in socket 120 of joint 48 to each define alongitudinal swivel joint. Modular bearing/encoder cartridges 42, 44permit the separate manufacture of a pre-stressed or preloaded dualbearing cartridge on which is mounted the modular encoder components.This bearing encoder cartridge can then be fixedly attached to theexternal skeletal components (i.e., the dual socket joints 46, 48) ofthe articulated arm 14. The use of such cartridges is a significantadvance in the field as it permits high quality, high speed productionof these sophisticated subcomponents of articulated arm 14.

In the embodiment described herein, there are four different cartridgetypes, two long axial cartridges for joints 30 and 34, one base axialcartridge for joint 16, one base cartridge (which includes a counterbalance) for short joint 18 and two hinge cartridges for joints 32 and36. In addition, as is consistent with the taper of articulated arm 14,the cartridges nearest the base (e.g., located in long joint 16 andshort joint 18) have a larger diameter relative to the smaller diametersof joints 30, 32, 34 and 36. Each cartridge includes a pre-loadedbearing arrangement and a transducer which in this embodiment, comprisesa digital encoder. Turning to FIGS. 9 and 10, the cartridge 44positioned in axial long joint 16 will now be described.

Cartridge 44 includes a pair of bearings 50, 52 separated by an innersleeve 54 and outer sleeve 56. It is important that bearings 50, 52 arepre-loaded. In this embodiment, such preload is provided by sleeves 54,56 being of differing lengths (inner sleeve 54 is shorter than outersleeve 56 by approximately 0.0005 inch) so that upon tightening, apreslected preload is generated on bearings 50, 52. Bearings 50, 52 aresealed using seals 58 with this assembly being rotatably mounted onshaft 60. At its upper surface, shaft 60 terminates at a shaft upperhousing 62. An annulus 63 is defined between shaft 60 and shaft upperhousing 62. This entire assembly is positioned within outer cartridgehousing 64 with the shaft and its bearing assembly being securelyattached to housing 64 using a combination of an inner nut 66 and anouter nut 68. Note that upon assembly, the upper portion 65 of outerhousing 64 will be received within annulus 63. It will be appreciatedthat the aforementioned preload is provided to bearings 50, 52 upon thetightening of the inner and outer nuts 66, 68 which provide compressionforces to the bearings and, because of the difference in length betweenthe inner and outer spacers 54, 56, the desired preload will be applied.

Preferably, bearings 50, 52 are duplex ball bearings. In order to obtainthe adequate pre-loading, it is important that the bearing faces be asparallel as possible. The parallelism affects the evenness of thepre-loading about the circumference of the bearing. Uneven loading willgive the bearing a rough uneven running torque feel and will result inunpredictable radial run out and reduced encoder performance. Radial runout of the modularly mounted encoder disk (to be discussed below) willresult in an undesirable fringe pattern shift beneath the reader head.This results in significant encoder angular measurement errors.Furthermore, the stiffness of the preferably duplex bearing structure isdirectly related to the separation of the bearings. The farther apartthe bearings, the stiffer will be the assembly. The spacers 54, 56 areused to enhance the separation of the bearings. Since the cartridgehousing 64 is preferably aluminum, then the spacers 54, 56 will alsopreferably be made from aluminum and precision machined in length andparallelism. As a result, changes in temperature will not result indifferential expansion which would compromise the preload. As mentioned,the preload is established by designing in a known difference in thelength of spacers 54, 56. Once the nuts 66, 68 are fully tightened, thisdifferential in length will result in a bearing preload. The use ofseals 58 provide sealed bearings since any contamination thereof wouldeffect all rotational movement and encoder accuracy, as well as jointfeel.

While cartridge 44 preferably includes a pair of spaced bearings,cartridge 44 could alternatively include a single bearing or three ormore bearings. Thus, each cartridge needs at least one bearing as aminimum.

The joint cartridges of the present invention may either have unlimitedrotation or as an alternative, may have a limited rotation. For alimited rotation, a groove 70 on a flange 72 on the outer surface ofhousing 64 provides a cylindrical track which receives a shuttle 74.Shuttle 74 will ride within track 70 until it abuts a removable shuttlestop such as the rotation stop set screws 76 whereupon rotation will beprecluded. The amount of rotation can vary depending on what is desired.In a preferred embodiment, shuttle rotation would be limited to lessthan 7200. Rotational shuttle stops of the type herein are described inmore detail in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,147, all of thecontents of which have been incorporated herein by reference.

As mentioned, in an alternative embodiment, the joint used in thepresent invention may have unlimited rotation. In this latter case, aknown slip ring assembly is used. Preferably, shaft 60 has a hollow oraxial opening 78 therethrough which has a larger diameter section 80 atone end thereof. Abutting the shoulder defined at the intersectionbetween axial openings 78 and 80 is a cylindrical slip ring assembly 82.Slip ring assembly 82 is non-structural (that is, provides no mechanicalfunction but only provides an electrical and/or signal transferfunction) with respect to the preloaded bearing assembly set forth inthe modular joint cartridge. While slip ring assembly 82 may consist ofany commercially available slip ring, in a preferred embodiment, slipring assembly 82 comprises a H series slip ring available from IDMElectronics Ltd. of Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom. Such slip ringsare compact in size and with their cylindrical design, are ideallysuited for use in the opening 80 within shaft 60. Axial opening 80through shaft 60 terminates at an aperture 84 which communicates with achannel 86 sized and configured to receive wiring from the slip ringassembly 82. Such wiring is secured in place and protected by a wirecover 88 which snaps onto and is received into channel 86 and aperture84. Such wiring is shown diagrammatically at 90 in FIG. 10.

As mentioned, modular cartridge 44 include both a preloaded bearingstructure which has been described above as well as a modular encoderstructure which will now be described. Still referring to FIGS. 9 and10, the preferred transducer used in the present invention comprises amodular optical encoder having two primary components, a read head 92and a grating disk 94. In this embodiment, a pair of read heads 92 arepositioned on a read head connector board 96. Connector board 96 isattached (via fasteners 98) to a mounting plate 100. Disk 94 ispreferably attached to the lower bearing surface 102 of shaft 60(preferably using a suitable adhesive) and will be spaced from and inalignment with read heads 92 (which is supported and held by plate 100).A wire funnel 104 and sealing cap 106 provide the final outer coveringto the lower end of housing 64. Wire funnel 104 will capture and retainwiring 90 as best shown in FIG. 10. It will be appreciated that theencoder disk 94 will be retained by and rotate with shaft 60 due to theapplication of adhesive at 102. FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a double read head92; however, it will be appreciated that more than two read heads may beused or, in the alternative, a single read head as shown in FIG. 9A maybe used. FIGS. 9B-E depict examples of modular cartridges 44 with morethan two read heads. FIGS. 9B-C show four read heads 92 received in aplate 100 and spaced at 90 degree intervals (although different relativespacings may be appropriate). FIGS. 9D-E show three read heads 92received in a plate 100 and spaced at 120 degree intervals (althoughdifferent relative spacing may be appropriate).

In order to properly align disk 94, a hole (not shown) is providedthrough housing 64 at a location adjacent disk 94. A tool (not shown) isthen used to push disk 94 into proper alignment whereupon adhesivebetween disk 94 and shaft 66 is cured to lock disk 94 in place. A holeplug 73 is then provided through the hole in housing 64.

It is important to note that the locations of disk 94 and read head 92may be reversed whereby disk 94 is attached to housing 56 and read head92 rotates with shaft 60. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 12A whereboard 96′ is attached (via adhesive) to shaft 60′ for rotationtherewith. A pair of read heads 92′ are attached to board 96′ and thuswill rotate with shaft 60′. The disk 94′ is positioned on a support 100′which is attached to housing 64′. In any event, it will be appreciatedthat either the disk 94 or read head 92 may be mounted for rotation withthe shaft. All that is important is that disk 94 and read head 92 bepositioned in a cartridge (or joint) so as to be rotatable with respectto each other while maintaining optical communication.

Preferably, the rotational encoder employed in the present invention issimilar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,486,923 and 5,559,600, allof the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Suchmodular encoders are commercially available from MicroE Systems underthe trade name Pure Precision Optics. These encoders are based onphysical optics that detect the interference between diffraction ordersto produce nearly perfect sinusoidal signals from a photo detector array(e.g., read head(s)) inserted in the fringe pattern. The sinusoidalsignals are electronically interpolated to allow detection ofdisplacement that is only a fraction of the optical fringe.

Using a laser light source, the laser beam is first collimated by a lensand then sized by an aperture. The collimated size beam passes through agrating that diffracts the light into discrete orders with the 0^(th)and all even orders suppressed by the grating construction. With the 0order suppressed, a region exists beyond the diverging 3^(rd) orderwhere only the ±1^(st) orders overlap to create a nearly pure sinusoidalinterference. One or more photodetector arrays (read heads) are placedwithin this region, and produces four channels of nearly pure sinusoidaloutput when there is relative motion between the grating and thedetector. Electronics amplify, normalize and interpolate the output tothe desired level of resolution.

The simplicity of this encoder design yields several advantages overprior art optical encoders. Measurements may be made with only a lasersource and its collimating optics, a diffractive grating, and a detectorarray. This results in an extremely compact encoder system relative tothe bulkier prior art, conventional encoders. In addition, a directrelationship between the grating and the fringe movement desensitizesthe encoder from environmentally induced errors to which prior artdevices are susceptible. Furthermore, because the region of interferenceis large, and because nearly sinusoidal interference is obtainedeverywhere within this region, alignment tolerances are far more relaxedthan is associated with prior art encoders.

A significant advantage of the aforementioned optical encoder is thatthe precision of the standoff orientation and distance or the distanceand orientation of the read head with respect to the encoder disk is farless stringent. This permits a high accuracy rotational measurement andan easy-to-assemble package. The result of using this “geometrytolerant” encoder technology results in a CMM 10 having significant costreductions and ease of manufacturing.

It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiment describedabove includes an optical disk 94, the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention also encompasses any optical fringe pattern whichallow the read head to measure relative motion. As used herein, suchfringe pattern means any periodic array of optical elements whichprovide for the measurement of motion. Such optical elements or fringepattern could be mounted on a rotating or stationary disk as describedabove, or alternatively, could be deposited, secured or otherwisepositioned or reside upon any of the relatively moving components (suchas the shaft, bearings or housing) of the cartridge.

Indeed, the read head and associated periodic array or pattern does notnecessarily need to be based on optics (as described above) at all.Rather, in a broader sense, the read head could read (or sense) someother periodic pattern of some other measurable quantity orcharacteristic which can be used to measure motion, generally rotarymotion. Such other measurable characteristics may include, for example,reflectivity, opacity, magnetic field, capacitance, inductance orsurface roughness. (Note that a surface roughness pattern could be readusing a read head or sensor in the form of a camera such as a CCDcamera). In such cases, the read head would measure, for example,periodic changes in magnetic field, reflectivity, capacitance,inductance, surface roughness or the like. As used herein therefore, theterm “read head” means any sensor or transducer and associatedelectronics for analysis of these measurable quantities orcharacteristics with an optical read head being just one preferredexample. Of course, the periodic pattern being read by the read head canreside on any surface so long as there is relative (generally rotary)motion between the read head and periodic pattern. Examples of theperiodic pattern include a magnetic, inductive or capacitive mediadeposited on a rotary or stationary component in a pattern. Moreover, ifsurface roughness is the periodic pattern to be read, there is no needto deposit or otherwise provide a separate periodic media since thesurface roughness of any component in communication with the associatedread head (probably a camera such as a CCD camera) may be used.

As mentioned, FIGS. 9 and 10 depict the elements of the modular bearingand encoder cartridge for axially long joint 16. FIGS. 11 and 12 depictthe bearing and encoder cartridge for axial long joints 30 and 34. Thesecartridge assemblies are substantially similar to that shown FIGS. 9 and10 and so are designated by 44′. Minor differences are evident from theFIGURES relative to cartridge 44 with respect to, for example, adifferently configured wire cap/cover 88′, slightly differing wirefunnels/covers 104′, 106′ and the positioning of flange 72′ at the upperend of housing 64′. Also, the flanges between housing 64′ and shaftupper housing 62 are flared outwardly. Of course, the relative lengthsof the various components shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may differ slightlyfrom that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Since all of these components aresubstantially similar, the components have been given the sameidentification numeral with the addition of a prime. FIG. 11A is similarto FIG. 11, but depicts a single read head embodiment.

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, similar exploded and cross-sectional viewsare shown for the bearing and encoder cartridges in short hinge joints32 and 36. As in the long axial joints 44′ of FIGS. 11 and 12, thecartridges for the short hinge joints 32 and 36 are substantiallysimilar to the cartridge 44 discussed in detail above and therefore thecomponents of these cartridges are identified at 44″ with similarcomponents being identified using a double prime. It will be appreciatedthat because cartridges 44″ are intended for use in short joints 32, 36,no slip ring assembly is required as the wiring will simply pass throughthe axial openings 78″, 80″ due to the hinged motion of these joints.FIG. 13A is similar to FIG. 13, but depicts a single read headembodiment.

It will be appreciated that that the modular bearing/encoder cartridgesdescribed herein and shown, for example, in FIGS. 10 and 12 all utilizebearings 50, 52 which include an inner race and an outer race and aplurality of ball bearings disposed between the inner and outer races.These inner and outer races are longitudinally separated from each otherusing the respective inner and outer bearing spacers 54, 56. In analternative embodiment, this conventional use of inner and outer bearingraces is no longer utilized. Instead, the shaft 60 is used as the innerrace of one or both of the bearings 50, 52 and/or the housing 64 is usedas the outer race of one or both of the bearings 50, 52. Examples ofsuch alternative constructions for the modular cartridge are shown inFIGS. 41, 42 and 43. FIGS. 41 and 42 depict the embodiment wherein thehousing is used for both the proximal and distal bearing outer raceswhile the embodiment of FIG. 43 employs a shaft which is used as theinner race for the proximal and distal pair of bearings.

Referring to FIG. 41, an alternative cartridge construction of the typedescribed above is shown at 600. Cartridge 600 is similar to thecartridge depicted in the foregoing FIGURES (for example, see FIG. 12)with the primary difference being that the inner and outer bearing racesfor bearing pairs 50, 52 have been removed. Thus, the FIG. 41construction utilizes a shaft 602 disposed within a housing 604. Ratherthan utilizing separate outer bearing races for the proximal and distalbearings as in the FIG. 12 embodiment, housing 604 includes appropriateannular recesses (bearing surfaces) to define integral, distal bearingouter races. The distal outer race is defined by the bearing surface 606formed on the interior surface of housing 604. The shaft 602, in turn,includes a complimentary arcuate surface 608 formed therein to act asthe inner bearing race for the distal bearing. A cylindrical ballretainer 610 having selective openings therein is positioned betweenshaft 602 and housing 600 so as to retain a plurality of ball bearings612 therein. Thus, ball bearings 612 are retained by ball retainer 610and rest between the arcuate bearing surface 608 of integral shaft 602and the annular bearing recess 606 of housing 604. A proximal bearing isformed by using a bearing nut 614 which is threadably attached to thelower part of shaft 602 to bear against the bottom surface of a bearingspacer 616. Bearing spacer 616 includes a shoulder 617 extendinglaterally from shaft 602. Bearing nut 614 includes an arcuate surface618 which bears against a plurality of ball bearings 620 which, like thedistal bearing above, will be retained within a ball retainer ring 610.

Like FIG. 41, FIG. 42 depicts a construction for a modular cartridgewherein the housing is used for both proximal and distal bearing outerraces. More particularly, FIG. 42 depicts a cartridge 622 having a shaft624 received within a housing 626. Housing 626 includes a pair of distaland proximal annular, arcuate bearing surfaces 628, 630 which act asintegral outer bearing races and which receive a plurality of ballbearings. In the FIG. 42 embodiment, the inner races for each of thedistal and proximal bearings are provided by a distal inner bearingspacer 632 and a proximal inner bearing spacer 634. Each of thesebearing spacers include an arcuate. recess 636, 638, respectively forsupporting ball bearings. A bearing nut 640 is threaded onto the lowerpart of shaft 624 to hold the entire bearing assembly together.

Turning now to FIG. 43, in this embodiment, the inner shaft is used asthe inner bearing race for the distal and proximal bearings. FIG. 43depicts a modular cartridge 642 which includes an integral shaft 644positioned within a housing 646. The distal bearing is formed by theprovision of an arcuate bearing surface 648 in shaft 644. Positioned inbearing relation to arcuate surface 648 is another arcuate surface 650which is integrally formed in housing 646. A ball retaining ring 652 ispositioned between arcuate bearing surfaces 648 and 650 so as to retaina plurality of ball bearings 654. Thus, the distal bearing in modularcartridge 642 utilizes a pair of bearing surfaces which are bothintegrally formed in the shaft 644 and in housing 646, respectively. Inother words, the distal bearing in modular cartridge 642 containsneither an inner nor outer race with the functionality of the inner andouter race being provided by integral bearing surfaces formed in boththe shaft and housing. The proximal bearing of modular cartridge 642 isagain formed from an integral arcuate bearing surface 656 formed inshaft 694. A housing lock nut 658 is threadably fastened to housing 646.Housing lock nut 658 is threaded onto housing 646 (with a bearing spacer659 therebetween) and includes an arcuate bearing surface 660. The twoarcuate bearing surfaces 656 and 660 include therebetween a ballretaining ring 662 which includes openings for receiving a plurality ofball bearings 664. It will be appreciated that the modular cartridge 642is fully assembled by threading housing lock nut 658 which, whenthreaded to housing 646 (with bearing spacer 659 therebetween) will holdthe entire assembly of ball retainer rings 652, 662 and ball bearings654 and 664 together as a single operational unit.

It will be appreciated that while not shown in FIGS. 41-43, thesemodular cartridges 600, 622, and 642 would also include the read headand rotating periodic array or pattern as well as optional componentssuch as a slip ring as shown for example, in the FIG. 12 and othermodular cartridge embodiments described above. In addition, the bearingnuts 614, 640 and 658 can all be utilized to hold the assembliestogether and provide a selected degree of preloading.

The alternative cartridge constructions of FIGS. 41, 42 and 43 allprovide some important cost and performance advantages relative to thepreviously discussed cartridge constructions wherein separate inner andouter bearing races are used. First, in general, the constructions ofFIGS. 41 through 43 wherein either the shaft is used as the inner raceof the proximal and/or distal bearings or the housing is used as theouter race of the proximal and/or distal bearings, will lead to lesscartridge components since at the least, either the inner or outerbearing races are removed. In addition, it is believed that theconstructions of FIGS. 41-43 will lead to a stiffer cartridge. It willbe appreciated that a stiffer cartridge (and fewer total cartridgecomponents) will lead to less error induced by movement by cartridgecomponents and therefore more accurate measurement results. In addition,the modular cartridges of FIGS. 41-43 are preferably manufactured usingthe same material for each of the components. Preferably, each componentof the modular cartridge depicted in FIGS. 41-43 are made entirely ofsteel (as opposed to many prior bearing constructions which were made ofa combination of materials such a combination of aluminum and steel).The ability to make the entire cartridge of a single material(preferably steel) leads to improved performance of the cartridgecomponents since the performance of each of the cartridge componentswill remain constant throughout the operating temperature range of theCMM arm in which the cartridges are operated.

Finally, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the modular bearing/encodercartridge for short hinge joint 18 is shown at 108. It will beappreciated that substantially all of the components of cartridge 108are similar or the same as the components in cartridges 44, 44′ and 44″with the important exception being the inclusion of a counter balanceassembly. This counter balance assembly includes a counter balancespring 110 which is received over housing 64″ and provides an importantcounter balance function to CMM 10 in a manner which will be describedhereinafter with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28. FIG. 15A is similar toFIG. 15, but depicts a single read head embodiment.

As mentioned, in a preferred embodiment, more than one read head may beused in the encoder. It will be appreciated that angle measurement of anencoder is effected by disk run out or radial motion due to appliedloads. It has been determined that two read heads positioned at 180°from each other will result in run out causing cancellation effects ineach read head. These cancellation effects are averaged for a final“immune” angle measurement. Thus, the use of two read heads and theresultant error cancellation will result in a less error prone and moreaccurate encoder measurement. FIGS. 17-19 depict the bottom,cross-sectional and top views respectively for a dual read headembodiment useful in, for example, a larger diameter cartridge such asfound in joints 16 and 18 (that is, those joints nearest the base).Thus, a cartridge end cap 100 has mounted thereto a pair of circuitboards 96 with each circuit board 96 having a read head 92 mechanicallyattached thereto. The read heads 92 are preferably positioned 180° apartfrom each other to provide for the error cancellation resulting from therun out or radial motion of the disk. Each board 96 additionallyincludes a connector 93 for attachment of the circuit board 96 to theinternal bus and/or other wiring as will be discussed hereinafter. FIGS.20-22 depict substantially the same components as in FIGS. 17-19 withthe primary difference being a smaller diameter cartridge end cap 100.This smaller diameter dual read head embodiment would be associated withthe smaller diameter cartridges of, for example, joints 30, 32, 34 and36.

The use of at least two read heads (or more such as the three readsheads shown in FIGS. 9D-E and the four read heads shown in FIGS. 9B-C)is also advantageously employed in more conventional coordinatemeasurement machines to significantly reduce the cost and complexity ofmanufacture thereof. For example, a coordinate measurement machinedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,356 (hereinafter “Raab '356”),incorporated herein by reference, includes a relatively simpleconstruction for each joint including a first housing that remainsstationary with one joint half, and a second housing that remainsstationary with the second joint half, the first and second housingshaving pre-loaded bearings that allow them to rotate with each other.The first housing retains a packaged encoder and the second housingincludes an axially-disposed internal shaft that extends into the firsthousing and mates with the encoder shaft protruding from the packagedencoder. The prior art packaged encoder required that there be no loadsapplied thereto and that the motion of the second housing be accuratelytransmitted to the encoder despite small misalignments of the axis ofthe internal shaft and the axis of the packaged encoder to maintain thehighly accurate rotational measurements. To accommodate manufacturingtolerances in axial misalignment, a special coupling device is connectedbetween the encoder shaft and the internal shaft. Such a structure canbe seen in FIG. 7 of Raab '356.

In contrast, FIG. 35 shows a modified structure 400 in which thecoupling device and packaged encoder from the Raab '356 CMM are removedand replaced with encoder disk 96 and end cap 100. Here, two joints arepositioned at 90° to each other, each joint having a first housing 420and a second housing 410. Internal shaft 412 extends from second housing420 into first housing 410. As shown, encoder disk 96 is attached, e.g.,using adhesive, to the end of internal shaft 412 while end cap 100 isfixed within first housing 420. However, it will be understood thatencoder disk 96 may be fixed within first housing 420 and end cap 100 befixed to internal shaft 412 without affecting the operation of thejoint.

As previously described, the use of two (or more) read heads and theresultant error cancellation will result in a less error prone and moreaccurate encoder measurement despite small axial misalignments. Inaddition, a direct relationship between the grating and the fringemovement desensitizes the encoder from environmentally induced errors towhich prior art devices are susceptible. Furthermore, because the regionof interference is large, and because nearly sinusoidal interference isobtained everywhere within this region, alignment tolerances are farmore relaxed than is associated with prior art encoders as previouslydescribed.

In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,148 to Eaton (hereinafter “Eaton'148”), incorporated herein by reference, describes a prior art CMM inwhich a packaged encoder forms an integral part of each joint byproviding primary rotational bearings, therefore avoiding any need tocompensate for axial misalignments as required in Raab '356 discussedabove. However, because the encoder provides primary rotationalbearings, it is important that the encoder be structurally rugged andable to be subjected to various loadings without affecting itsperformance. This adds to the cost and bulkiness of the encoder. Such astructure can be seen in FIG. 4 of Eaton '148.

In contrast, FIG. 36 shows a modified structure 450 in which thepackaged encoder and connecting shaft of one joint from the Eaton '148CMM is removed and replaced by end cap 100 and encoder disk 96. Here afirst housing 470 retains end cap 100 and retains internal shaft 462 ofsecond housing 460 by bearings 472. Internal shaft 462 is extended toterminate proximate end cap 100 and encoder disk 96 is attached, e.g.,using adhesive, at the end of internal shaft 462. As in the embodimentshown in FIG. 35, the use of two (or more) read heads significantlyreduces the cost and complexity of the joint without sacrificingaccuracy.

Turning now to FIG. 23A, a block diagram of the electronics is shown forthe single read head embodiment of FIGS. 9A, 11A, 13A and 15A. It willbe appreciated that CMM 10 preferably includes an external bus(preferably a USB bus) 260 and an internal bus (preferably RS-485) 261which is designed to be expandable for more encoders as well as eitheran externally mounted rail or additional rotational axes such as aseventh axis. The internal bus is preferably consistent with RS485 andthis bus is preferably configured to be used as a serial network in amanner consistent with the serial network for communicating data fromtransducers in a portable CMM arm as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. No. 6,219,928, all of the contents of which have been incorporatedherein by reference.

With reference to FIG. 23A, it will be appreciated that each encoder ineach cartridge is associated with an encoder board. The encoder boardfor the cartridge in joint 16 is positioned within base 12 and isidentified at 112 in FIG. 25. The encoders for joints 18 and 30 areprocessed on a dual encoder board which is located in the second longjoint 30 and is identified at 114 in FIG. 26. FIG. 26 also depicts asimilar dual encoder board 116 for the encoders used in joints 32 and34, board 116 being positioned in third long joint 34 as shown in FIG.26. Finally, the end encoder board 118 is positioned within measurementprobe handle 28 as shown in FIG. 24 and is used to process the encodersin short joint 36. Each of the boards 114, 116 and 118 are associatedwith a thermocouple to provide for thermal compensation due totemperature transients. Each board 112, 114, 116 and 118 incorporatesembedded analog-to-digital conversion, encoder counting and serial portcommunications. Each board also has read programmable flash memory toallow local storage of operating data. The main processor board 112 isalso field programmable through the external USB bus 260. As mentioned,the internal bus (RS-485) 261 is designed to be expandable for moreencoders which also includes either an externally mounted rail and/orseventh rotation axis. An axis port has been provided to provideinternal bus diagnosis. Multiple CMMs of the type depicted at 10 inthese FIGURES may be attached to a single application due to thecapabilities of the external USB communications protocol. Moreover,multiple applications may be attached to a single CMM 10 for the verysame reasons.

Preferably, each board 112, 114, 116 and 118 includes a 16-bit digitalsignal processor such as the processor available from Motorola under thedesignation DSP56F807. This single processing component combines manyprocessing features including serial communication, quadrature decoding,A/D converters and on-board memory thus allowing a reduction of thetotal number of chips needed for each board.

In accordance with another important feature of the present invention,each of the encoders is associated with an individualized identificationchip 121. This chip will identify each individual encoder and thereforewill identify each individual bearing/encoder modular cartridge so as toease and expedite quality control, testing, and repair.

FIG. 23B is an electronics block diagram which is similar to FIG. 23A,but depicts the dual read head embodiment of FIGS. 10, 12, 14 and 16-22.

With reference to FIGS. 24-26, the assembly of each cartridge in thearticulated arm 14 will now be described (note that FIG. 24 depicts arm10 without base 12. Note also that FIGS. 24-26 employ the single readhead embodiments of FIGS. 9A, 11A, 13A and 15A). As shown in FIG. 25,the first long joint 16 includes a relatively long cartridge 44, theupper end of which has been inserted into a cylindrical socket 120 ofdual socket joint 46. Cartridge 44 is securely retained within socket120 using a suitable adhesive. The opposite, lower end of cartridge 44is inserted into an extension tube, which in this embodiment may be analuminum sleeve 122 (but sleeve 122 may also be comprised of a stiffalloy or composite material). Cartridge 44 is secured in sleeve 122again using a suitable adhesive. The lower end of sleeve 122 includes alarger outer diameter section 124 having internal threading 126 thereon.Such threading is outwardly tapered and is configured to threadably matewith inwardly tapered threading 128 on magnetic mount housing 130 as isclearly shown in FIG. 4. As has been discussed, all of the severaljoints of CMM 10 are interconnected using such tapered threading.Preferably, the tapered thread is of the NPT type which isself-tightening and therefore no lock nuts or other fastening devicesare needed. This threading also allows for and should include a threadlocking agent.

Turning to FIG. 26, as in first long joint 16, long cartridge 44′ isadhesively secured in the cylindrical opening 120′ of dual socket joint46′. The outer housing 64′ of cartridge 44′ includes a shoulder 132defined by the lower surface of flange 72′. This shoulder 132 supportscylindrical extension tube 134 which is provided over and surrounds theouter surface of housing 64′. Extension tubes are used in the joints tocreate a variable length tube for attachment to a threaded component.Extension tube 134 thus extends outwardly from the bottom of cartridge64′ and has inserted therein a threaded sleeve 136. Appropriate adhesiveis used to bond housing 44′ to extension tube 134 as well as to bondsleeve 136 and tube 134 together. Sleeve 136 terminates at a taperedsection having outer threading 138 thereon. Outer threading threadablymates with internal threading 140 on connecting piece 142 which has beenadhesively secured in opening 144 of dual socket joint 48. Preferably,extension tube 134 is composed of a composite material such as anappropriate carbon fiber composite while threadable sleeve 136 iscomposed of aluminum so as to match the thermal properties of the dualsocket joint 48. It will be appreciated that PC board 114 is fastened toa support 146 which in turn is secured to dual socket joint support 142.

In addition to the aforementioned threaded connections, one, some or allof the joints may be interconnected using threaded fasteners as shown inFIGS. 25A-B. Rather than the threaded sleeve 136 of FIG. 26, sleeve 136′of FIG. 25B has a smooth tapered end 137 which is received in acomplimentary tapered socket support 142′. A flange 139 extendscircumferentially outwardly from sleeve 136′ with an array of bolt holes(in this case 6) therethrough for receiving threaded bolts 141. Bolts141 are threadably received in corresponding holes along the uppersurface of socket support 142′. An extension tube 134′ is received oversleeve 136′ as in the FIG. 26 embodiment. The complimentary tapered maleand female interconnections for the joints provide improved connectioninterfaces relative to the prior art.

Still referring to FIG. 26, long cartridge 44″ of third long joint 34 issecured to arm 14 in a manner similar to cartridge 44′ of long joint 30.That is, the upper portion of cartridge 44″ is adhesively secured intoan opening 120″ of dual socket joint 46″. An extension tube 148(preferably composed of a composite material as described with respectto tube 134) is positioned over outer housing 64″ and extends outwardlythereof so as to receive a mating sleeve 150 which is adhesively securedto the interior diameter of extension tube 148. Mating sleeve 150terminates at a tapered section having outer threading 152 and mateswith complimentary interior threading 153 on dual socket joint support154 which has been adhesively attached to a cylindrical socket 156within dual socket joint 148′. Printed circuit board 116 is similarlyconnected to the dual socket joint using the PCB support 146′ which issecured to dual socket joint support 154.

As discussed with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8, the short cartridges 44′ inFIGS. 13 and 14 and 108 of FIG. 15 are simply positioned between twodual socket joints 46, 48 and are secured within the dual socket jointsusing an appropriate adhesive. As a result, the long and shortcartridges are easily attached to each other at right angles (or, ifdesired, at angles other than right angles).

The modular bearing/transducer cartridges as described above constitutean important technological advance in portable CMM's such as shown, forexample, in the aforementioned Raab '356 and Eaton '148 patents. This isbecause the cartridge (or housing of the cartridge) actually defines astructural element of each joint which makes up the articulated arm. Asused herein, “structural element” means that the surface of thecartridge (e.g., the cartridge housing) is rigidly attached to the otherstructural components of the articulated arm in order to transferrotation without deformation of the arm (or at most, with only deminimis deformation). This is in contrast to conventional portable CMM's(such as disclosed in the Raab '356 and Eaton '148 patents) whereinseparate and distinct joint elements and transfer elements are requiredwith the rotary encoders being part of the joint elements (but not thetransfer elements). In essence, the present invention has eliminated theneed for separate transfer elements (e.g., transfer members) bycombining the functionality of the joint and transfer elements into asingular modular component (i.e., cartridge). Hence, rather than anarticulated arm comprised of separate and distinct joints and transfermembers, the present invention utilizes an articulated arm made up of acombination of longer and shorter joint elements (i.e., cartridges), allof which are structural elements of the arm. This leads to betterefficiencies relative to the prior art. For example, the number ofbearings used in a joint/transfer member combination in the '148 and'582 patent was four (two bearings in the joint and two bearings in thetransfer member) whereas the modular bearing/transducer cartridge of thepresent invention may utilize a minimum of one bearing (although twobearings are preferred) and still accomplish the same functionality(although in a different and improved way).

FIGS. 24A and 26A-B are cross-sectional views, similar to FIGS. 24-26,but showing the dual read head embodiments of FIGS. 10, 12, 14 and 16-22and are further cross-sections of the CMM 10′ shown in FIG. 3A.

The overall length of articulated arm 14 and/or the various arm segmentsmay vary depending on its intended application. In one embodiment, thearticulated arm may have an overall length of about 24 inches andprovide measurements on the order of about 0.0002 inch to 0.0005 inch.This arm dimension and measurement accuracy provides a portable CMMwhich is well suited for measurements now accomplished using typicalhand tools such as micrometers, height gages, calipers and the like. Ofcourse, articulated arm 14 could have smaller or larger dimensions andaccuracy levels. For example, larger arms may have an overall length of8 or 12 feet and associated measurement accuracies of 0.001 inch thusallowing for use in most real time inspection applications or for use inreverse engineering.

CMM 10 may also be used with a controller mounted thereto and used torun a relatively simplified executable program as disclosed inaforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,978,748 and U.S. application Ser. No.09/775,226; or may be used with more complex programs on host computer172.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6 and 24-26, in a preferred embodiment, eachof the long and short joints are protected by an elastomeric bumper orcover which acts to limit high impact shock and provide ergonomicallypleasant gripping locations (as well as an aesthetically pleasingappearance). The long joints 16, 30 and 34 are all protected by a rigidplastic (e.g., ABS) replaceable cover which serves as an impact andabrasion protector. For the first long joint 16, this rigid plasticreplaceable cover comes in the form of the two-piece base housing 26Aand 26B as is also shown in FIG. 4. Long joints 30 and 34 are eachprotected by a pair of cover pieces 40 and 41 which, as shown in FIGS. 5and 6 may be fastened together in a clam shell fashion using appropriatescrews so as to form a protective sleeve. It will be appreciated that ina preferred embodiment, this rigid plastic replaceable cover for eachlong joint 30 and 34 will surround the preferably composite (carbonfiber) extension tube 134 and 148, respectively.

Preferably, one of the covers, in this case cover section 41, includes aslanted support post 166 integrally molded therein which limits therotation at the elbow of the arm so as to restrict probe 28 fromcolliding with base 12 in the rest position. This is best shown in FIGS.3, 24 and 26. It will be appreciated that post 166 will thus limitunnecessary impact and abrasion.

As will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 29 and 31, probe 28 may alsoinclude a replaceable plastic protective cover made from a rigid plasticmaterial.

FIGS. 3A, 24A and 26A-B depict alternative protective sleeves 40′, 41′which also have a clam shell construction, but are held in place usingstraps or spring clips 167 rather than threaded fasteners.

Each of the short joints 18, 32 and 36 include a pair of elastomeric(e.g., thermoplastic rubber such as Santoprene®) bumpers 38 aspreviously mentioned and as shown clearly in FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6. Bumpers38 may either be attached using a threaded fastener, a suitable adhesiveor in any other suitable manner. Elastomeric or rubber bumper 38 willlimit the high impact shock as well as provide an aesthetically pleasingand ergonomically pleasant gripping location.

The foregoing covers 40, 41, 40′, 41′ and bumpers 38 are all easilyreplaceable (as is the base housing 26A, 26B) and allow arm 14 toquickly and inexpensively be refurbished without influencing themechanical performance of CMM 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, base-housing 26A, B includes at least twocylindrical bosses for the mounting of a sphere as shown at 168 in FIG.3. The sphere may be used for the mounting of a clamp type computerholder 170 which in turn supports a portable or other computer device172 (e.g., the “host computer”). Preferably, a cylindrical boss isprovided on either side of base housing 26A, B so that the ball andclamp computer mount may be mounted on either side of CMM 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 15, 16, 27A, B and 28, the preferred counterbalance for use with CMM 10 will now be described. Conventionally,portable CMMs of the type described herein have utilized an externallymounted coil spring which has been mounted separately in outriggerfashion on the outside of the articulated arm for use as a counterbalance. In contrast, the present invention utilizes a fully integratedinternal counter balance which leads to a lower overall profile for thearticulated arm. Typically, prior art counter balances have utilizedwound coil springs in the counter balance mechanism. However, inaccordance with an important feature of the present invention, thecounter balance employs a machined coil spring (as opposed to a woundcoil spring). This machined spring 110 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 27A-Band is formed from a single cylinder of metal (steel) which is machinedto provide a pair of relatively wide rings 174, 176 at opposed ends ofthe coil and relatively narrower rings 178 forming the intermediatecoils between end coils 174, 176. It will be appreciated that the widerend rings 174, 176 engage with the respective side surfaces 180 of shaft62′ and 182 of housing 64″ thereby preventing lateral movement of spring110. The wider, solid end rings 174, 176 act as an anti-twist device andprovide superior function relative to prior art wound springs. End ring174 preferably includes a pair of locking posts 184, 186 (although onlyone locking post may be employed) while end ring 176 includes a lockingpost 188.

With reference to FIG. 27B, each dual socket joint 46, 48 includeschannels such as shown at 190 and 191 in dual socket joint 46 forreceiving a respective post 184, 186 or 188. With reference to FIG. 28,while pins 184, 186 will remain in a fixed position within theappropriate channel or groove of dual socket joint 48, the location ofpin 188 may be changed so as to optimize the overall wind-up on spring110 and provide the most efficient counter balance force. This isaccomplished using a threaded hole 192 which receives threaded screw194. As shown in FIG. 28, screw 194 may be operated on to contact pin188 and move pin 188 circumferentially in a clock-wise direction alonginterior channel 696 which is shown in FIG. 27B as being perpendicularto pin access groove 190. Screw 194 is preferably positioned to optimizespring 110 in the factory.

It will be appreciated that during use of articulated arm 14, theencoder/bearing cartridge 108 will act as a hinge joint and onceinserted and adhesively secured within the sockets of dual socket joints46, 48, pins 184, 186 and 188 will be locked in their respectivegrooves. When socket joint 48 is rotated relative to socket joint 46(via the hinge joint of cartridge 108), spring 110 will wind-up. When itis desired that socket joint 48 rotate back to its original position,the wound forces of spring 110 will unwind providing the desired counterbalance force.

In the event that it is desired that articulated arm 14 be mountedupside down such as on a grinder, beam or ceiling, the orientation ofspring 110 may similarly be inverted (or reversed) so that the properorientation for the necessary counterbalance may be achieved.

Turning now to FIGS. 29 and 30A-C, a preferred embodiment of themeasurement probe 28 will now be described. Probe 28 includes a housing196 having an interior space 198 therein for housing printed circuitboard 118. It will be appreciated that housing 196 constitutes a dualsocket joint of the type described above and includes a socket 197 inwhich is bonded a support member 199 for supporting circuit board 118.Preferably, handle 28 includes two switches, namely a take switch 200and a confirm switch 202. These switches are used by the operator toboth take a measurement (take switch 200) and to confirm the measurement(confirm switch 202) during operation. In accordance with an importantfeature of this invention, the switches are differentiated from eachother so as to minimize confusion during use. This differentiation maycome in one or more forms including, for example, the switches 200, 202being of differing height and/or differing textures (note that switch202 has an indentation as opposed to the smooth upper surface of switch200) and/or different colors (for example, switch 200 may be green andswitch 202 may be red). Also in accordance with an important feature ofthis invention, an indicator light 204 is associated with switches 200,202 for indicating proper probing. Preferably, the indicator light 204is a two-color light so that, for example, light 204 is green upontaking of a measurement (and pressing the green take button 200) and isred for confirming a measurement (and pressing the red button 202). Theuse of a multicolored light is easily accomplished using a known LED asthe light source for light 204. To assist in gripping, to provideimproved aesthetics and for impact resistance, an outer protectingcovering of the type described above is identified at 206 and providedover a portion of probe 28. A switch circuit board 208 is provided forthe mounting of buttons 200, 202 and lamp 204 and is supported bysupport member 199. Switch board 208 is electrically interconnected withboard 118 which houses components for processing the switches and lightindicator as well as for the processing of short hinge joint 36.

In accordance with another important feature of the present invention,and with reference to both FIG. 29 as well as FIGS. 30A-C, probe 28includes a permanently installed touch trigger probe as well as aremovable cap for adapting a fixed probe while protecting the touchtrigger probe. The touch probe mechanism is shown at 210 in FIG. 29 andis based on a simplified three point kinematics seat. This conventionalconstruction comprises a nose 212 which contacts a ball 214 biased by acontact spring 216. Three contact pins (one pin being shown at 218) arein contact with an underlying electric circuit. Application of anyforces against the probe nose 212 results in lifting of any one of thethree contact pins 218 resulting in an opening of the underlyingelectric circuit and hence activation of a switch. Preferably, touchtrigger probe 210 will operate in conjunction with the front “take”switch 200.

As shown in FIG. 30B, when using touch trigger probe 210, a protectivethreaded cover 220 is threadably attached to threading 222 surroundingtrigger probe 210. However, when it is desired to use a fixed proberather than the touch trigger probe, the removable cap 220 is removedand a desired fixed probe such as that shown at 224 in FIGS. 29 and30A-C is threadably attached to threading 222. It will be appreciatedthat while fixed probe 224 has a round ball 226 attached thereto, anydifferent and desired fixed probe configuration may be easily threadablyattached to probe 28 via threading 222. Touch trigger probe assembly 210is mounted in a housing 228 which is threadably received into threadedconnector 230 which forms a part of probe housing 196. This threadableinterconnection provides for the full integration of touch trigger probe210 into probe 28. The provision of a fully integrated touch proberepresents an important feature of the present invention and isdistinguishable from prior art detachable touch probes associated withprior art CMMs. In addition, the permanently installed touch triggerprobe is also easily convertible to a hard probe as described above.

FIGS. 29A-C disclose yet another preferred embodiment for a measurementprobe in accordance with the present invention. In FIGS. 29A-C, ameasurement probe is shown at 28′ and is substantially similar tomeasurement probe 28 in FIG. 29 with the primary difference residing inthe configuration of the “take” and “confirm” switches. Rather than thediscrete button type switches shown in FIG. 29, measurement probe 28′utilizes two pairs of arcuate oblong switches 200 a-b and 202 a-b. Eachrespective pair of oblong switches 202 a-b and 200 a-b correspondrespectively to the take switch and the confirm switch as describedabove with respect to FIG. 29. An advantage of the measurement probe 28′embodiment relative to the measurement probe 28 embodiment is that eachpair of oblong switches 202 and 200 surround virtually the entirecircumference (or at least the majority of the circumference) of themeasurement probe and therefore are more easily actuatable by theoperator of the portable CMM. As in the FIG. 29 embodiment, an indicatorlight 204 is associated with each switch with the light 204 and switches200, 202 being mounted on respective circuit boards 208′. Also, as inthe FIG. 29 embodiment, switches 200, 202 may be differentiated usingfor example, different heights, different textures and/or differentcolors. Preferably, switches 200, 202 have a slight float such that thebutton may be actuated when pressed down in any location there along. Asin the FIG. 29 embodiment, an outer protective covering of the typedescribed above is used at 206 and provided over a portion of probe 28′.

Referring now to FIG. 31, an alternative measurement probe for use withCMM 10 is shown generally at 232. Measurement probe 232 is similar tomeasurement probe 28 of FIG. 29 with the primary difference being thatprobe 232 includes a rotating handle cover 234. Rotating cover 234 ismounted on a pair of spaced bearings 236, 238 which in turn are mountedon an inner core or support 240 such that cover 234 is freely rotatable(via bearings 236, 238) about inner core 240. Bearings 236, 238 arepreferably radial bearings and minimize the parasitic torques on the armdue to probe handling. Significantly, the switch plate 208′ andcorresponding switches 200′, 202′ and LED 204′ are all mounted torotating handle cover 234 for rotation therewith. During rotation,electrical connectivity to processing circuit board 118′ is providedusing a conventional slip ring mechanism 242 which comprises a knownplurality of spaced spring fingers 242 which contact stationary circularchannels 244. In turn, these contact channels 244 areelectrically-connected to circuit board 118′. The rotating handle cover234 and switch assembly is thus electrically coupled to the inner coreor probe shaft 240 and electronics board 118′ using the slip ringconductor 242. The rotation of the probe handle 234 permits switches200′, 202′ to be oriented conveniently for the user. This allows thearticulated arm 14′ to measure accurately during handling by minimizingundocumented forces. The cover 234 is preferably comprised of a rigidpolymer and is provided with appropriate indentations 246 and 248 toallow easy and convenient gripping and manipulation by the probeoperator.

It will be appreciated that the remainder of probe 232 is quite similarto probe 28 including the provision of a permanently and integrallyinstalled touch probe 210 in cover 220. Note that switches 200′, 202′are of differing heights and surface textures so as to provide ease ofidentification.

The rotating cover 234 is a significant advance in the CMM field in thatit can alleviate the need for a seventh axis of rotation at the probesuch as disclosed in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,147. It will beappreciated that the addition of a seventh axis leads to a more complexand expensive CMM as well as the addition of possible error into thesystem. The use of the rotatable probe 232 alleviates the need for a“true” seventh axis as it permits the probe to provide the rotationneeded for handle position at the probe end without the complexity of aseventh transducer and associated bearings, encoder and electronics.

In the event that it is desired to utilize a measurement probe having a“true” seventh axis, that is, having a measurement probe with a seventhrotary encoder for measuring rotary rotation, such a measurement probeis shown in FIGS. 37-40. With reference to such FIGURES, a measurementprobe 500 is shown with such measurement probe being substantiallysimilar to the measurement probe in FIG. 29 with the primary differencebeing the insertion of a modular bearing/transducer cartridge 502 of thetype described above, the presence of the take and confirm switches 504,506 on the sides of the measurement probe and the inclusion of aremovable handle 508.

It will be appreciated that the modular bearing/transducer cartridge 502is substantially similar to the cartridges described in detail above andinclude a rotatable shaft, a pair of bearings on the shaft, an opticalencoder disk, at least one and preferably two optical read heads spacedfrom and in optical communication with the encoder disk and a housingsurrounding the bearings, optical encoder disk, read head(s) and atleast a portion of the shaft so as to define the discrete modularbearing/transducer cartridge. A circuit board 503 for the encoderelectronics resides in an opening 505 with probe 500. Pairs of take andconfirm buttons 504, 506 are positioned on either side of a downwardlyprojected housing portion 510 of probe 500 with the buttons beingconnected to an appropriate PC board 512 as in the measurement probe ofthe FIG. 29 embodiment. Similarly, an indicator light 513 is positionedbetween buttons 504, 506 as in the previously discussed embodiments. Apair of threaded openings 514 in housing 510 receive fasteners forremovable attachment of handle 508 which provides for ease of rotarymanipulation during use of measurement probe 500.

In all other substantial respects, measurement probe 500 is similar tomeasurement probe 28 of FIG. 29 including the preferred use ofpermanently installed touch trigger probe at 516 as well as a removablecap for adapting a fixed probe 518 while protecting the touch triggerprobe. It will be appreciated that the seventh rotary encoder 502included in measurement probe 500 facilitates the use of CMM 10 inconnection with known laser line scanners and other peripheral devices.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, 23 and 25, in accordance with an importantfeature of the present invention, a portable power supply is provided topower CMM 10 thus providing a fully portable CMM. This is in contrast toprior art CMMs where power supply was based only on an AC cord. Inaddition, CMM 10 may also be powered directly by an AC cord through anAC/DC adapter via a conventional plug-in socket. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3and 25, a conventional rechargeable battery (e.g., Li-ion battery) isshown at 22. Battery 22 is mechanically and electrically connected intoa conventional battery support 252 which in turn is electricallyconnected to a conventional power supply and battery recharger circuitcomponent 254 located on circuit board 20. Also communicating with board20 is an on/off switch 258 (see FIG. 3) and a high-speed communicationport 259 (preferably a USB port). The joint electronics of arm 14 isconnected to board 20 using an RS-485 bus. Battery 22 can be charged ona separate charger, or charged in place in cradle 252 as is commonlyfound in conventional video cameras. It will be appreciated thatportable computer 172 (see FIG. 2) can operate for several hours on itsbuilt-in batteries and/or in the alternative, may be electricallyconnected to the power supply unit 254 of CMM 10.

The on-board power supply/recharger unit in accordance with the presentinvention is preferably positioned as an integral part of CMM 10 bylocating this component as an integral part of base 12 and morespecifically as a part of the plastic base housing 26A, B. Note alsothat preferably, base housing 26A, B includes a small storage area 260having a pivotable lid 262 for storing spare batteries, probes, or thelike.

Turning now to FIGS. 4, 25 and 32-34, the novel magnetic mounting devicefor use with CMM 10 will now be described. This magnetic mounting deviceis shown generally at 24 in FIGS. 4, 25, 32 and 33. Magnetic mount 24includes a cylindrical non-magnetic housing 266 which terminates at itsupper end in a threaded section 268. As with all of the preferredthreading used in CMM 10, threading 268 is a tapered thread which isintended to be threadingly connected to threading 126 of first longjoint 16 as best shown in FIG. 25. Non-magnetic housing 266 has asubstantially cylindrical configuration with the exception of twolongitudinal extensions 270, 272 which are opposed from each other at180° and extend outwardly and downwardly from housing 266. Attached oneither side of longitudinal extensions 270, 272 are a pair ofsemi-cylindrical housings 274, 276, each of which is formed from a“magnetic” material, that is, a material capable of being magnetizedsuch as iron or magnetic stainless steel. Together, “magnetic” housinghalves 274, 276 and longitudinal extensions 270, 272 form an open endedcylindrical enclosure for receiving and housing a magnetic core 278.Magnetic core 278 has an oblong shape with a non-magnetic center 280sandwiched between a pair of rare earth magnets (e.g.,neodymium-iron-boron) 282, 284. An axial opening 286 is provided throughnon-magnetic center 280. A circular cover plate 288 is positionedbeneath magnetic core 278 and located within the lower housing formed byelements 274, 276 and longitudinal extensions 270, 272. A shaft 290 ispositioned through a circular opening 292 in housing 266 and extendsdownwardly through axial opening 286 of magnetic core 278. Shaft 290 issupported for rotation by an upper bearing 291 and a lower bearing 294.Upper bearing 292 is received by an internal cylindrical recess inhousing 266 and lower bearing 294 is received by a similar cylindricalrecess in cover plate 288. A lever 296 extends outwardly andperpendicularly from shaft 290 and, as will be described hereafter,provides an on/off mechanism for the magnetic mount 264. Lever 296extends outwardly of housing 266 through a groove 297 through housing266 (see FIG. 25).

This entire assembly of lever 296, shaft 290 and bearings 292, 294 issecured together using an upper threaded fastener 298 and a lowerretaining ring 300. It will be appreciated that the various componentsof magnetic mount 264 are further secured by, for example, threadedfasteners 302 which connect housing 266 to “magnetic” material housingportions 274, 276 and threaded fasteners 304 which interconnect housingportions 274, 276 to cover 288. In addition, threaded fasteners 306attached longitudinal extensions 270, 272 of housing 266 to cover 288. Apin 308 is received by a lateral opening in core 278 and a lateralopening in shaft 290 so as to lock shaft 290 to core 278. In this way,as lever 296 is rotated, shaft 290 will rotate core 278 via shaftconnection 208.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 25, lever 296 is connected to a handle 310which is easily accessible on the exterior of base 12 and is used toactuate magnetic mount 264. To accomplish such actuation, handle 296 issimply moved (from the right to the left in FIG. 1). Movement of handle310 will in turn rotate lever 296 which in turn will rotate shaft 290which will then rotate rare earth magnets 282, 284 from theirnon-operative position (wherein magnets 282, 284 are aligned withnon-magnetic extensions 270, 272) into an actuated position wheremagnets 282, 284 are aligned with magnetic material 274, 276. When themagnets are aligned with the magnetic material as described, a magneticfield (flux) is formed. Similarly, when the magnets 282, 284 are out ofalignment with the magnetic material 274, 276, the flux path isinterrupted. In this state, the magnetic base can be separated from thetable upon which it sits. Note however that even in the non-alignedposition, there will be some residual magnetic flux. This small residualmagnetic flux in the “off” position is a positive feature of thisinvention as a small amount of magnetic flux acts to react with themagnet and automatically rotate lever 296 back to the “on” position whenreplaced on the table. It will be appreciated that when the magnets arein alignment with the magnetic material, a strong magnetic field will beestablished and semi-circular elements 274, 276 will be magneticallyadhered to the annular surface formed at the bottom thereof as shown at312 in FIGS. 25 and 33.

The magnetic mount 264 of the present invention provides a fullyintegrated yet removable mounting device since it is detachably mounted(via threading 268) and may be replaced by other attachments such as ascrew mount or vacuum mount. Of course, in order to be properly used,magnetic mount 264 must be placed on a magnetizable surface and beactivated (via lever 296) in order to operate. In the event thatmounting is required to a non-magnetic surface (e.g., granite), theninterface plates or other suitable mechanisms must be used between themagnetic base and the non-magnetic surface.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, variousmodifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to beunderstood that the present invention has been described by way ofillustrations and not limitation.

1. A portable coordinate measurement machine (CMM) for measuring theposition of an object in a selected volume, comprising: a manuallypositionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends, saidarm including a plurality of rotary joints; a measurement probe attachedto a first end of said articulated arm; an electronic circuit whichreceives the position signals from transducers in said arm and providesa digital coordinate corresponding to the position of the probe in aselected volume; and wherein at least one of said rotary jointscomprises; a rotatable shaft; at least two spaced bearings; a periodicpattern of a measurable characteristic; at least one read head spacedfrom and in communication with said pattern; a housing surrounding saidat least two bearings, pattern, read head and at least a portion of saidshaft so as to define a singular component and wherein races for saidbearings are formed by at least one of the following: (1) said shaftconstitutes the inner race of at least one of said two bearings and (2)said housing constitutes the outer race of at least one of said twobearings; said pattern and said read head being associated with saidshaft and housing such that said pattern and read head are rotatablewith respect to each other; and wherein said singular component includesthe functionality of measuring rotation, supporting rotation andtransferring rotation.
 2. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said housing is acylindrical housing.
 3. The CMM of claim 1 including at least two readheads.
 4. The CMM of claim 3 wherein said two read heads are positioned180 degrees apart.
 5. The CMM of claim 1 including at least three readheads.
 6. The CMM of claim 5 wherein said three read heads are 120degrees apart.
 7. The CMM of claim 1 including at least four read heads.8. The CMM of claim 7 wherein said four read heads are 90 degrees apart.9. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said pattern comprises an optical fringepattern; and said at least one read head comprises an optical read head.10. The CMM of claim 9 wherein: said optical fringe pattern is disposedon an optical encoder disk.
 11. The CMM of claim 9 wherein said opticalcommunication comprises: said read head detecting the interferencebetween diffraction orders to produce sinusoidal signals from said readhead inserted in said fringe pattern, said sinusoidal signals beingelectronically interpolated to detect displacement.
 12. The CMM of claim11 wherein each said read head comprises a laser, a collimator, and anaperture, whereby said laser emits a beam which is collimated by saidcollimator, and then sized by the aperture, said fringe pattern includesa grating that diffracts light into discrete orders.
 13. The CMM ofclaim 12 wherein each said read head further comprises a photodetectorarray, said photodetector array producing four channels of nearly puresinusoidal output when there is relative motion between said fringepattern and said read head.
 14. The CMM of claim 1 including a pluralityof read heads, said read heads causing cancellation effects that can beaveraged.
 15. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said pattern of a measurablecharacteristic is at least one of the characteristics selected from thegroup consisting of reflectivity, opacity, magnetic field, capacitance,inductance and surface roughness.
 16. The CMM of claim 1 including: aslip ring assembly in said housing.
 17. The CMM of claim 16 wherein saidshaft includes an axial opening therethrough and wherein said slip ringassembly is positioned in said axial opening.
 18. The CMM of claim 1wherein said at least one of said joints has infinite rotation.
 19. TheCMM of claim 1 wherein: said at least one of said joints comprise twojoints and wherein said respective housings from each of said two jointsare attached to each other at predetermined angles.
 20. The CMM of claim19 wherein said housings are attached to each other using socket joints.21. The CMM of claim 20 wherein said socket joint includes: a firstextension having a socket therein; at least one second extension havinga socket therein, said first and second extensions being attached toeach other at an angle and said sockets each being sized and configuredto each receive one of said housings.
 22. The CMM of claim 21 wherein:at least one of said housings is captured between a pair of sockets froma pair of spaced socket joints.
 23. The CMM of claim 1 wherein saidjoints comprise long joints for swiveling motion and short joints forhinged motion.
 24. The CMM of claim 1 including three joint pairs, eachjoint pair comprising a long joint and a short joint.
 25. The CMM ofclaim 24 including a seventh joint in said measurement probe.
 26. TheCMM of claim 1 wherein said joints are arranged in the jointconfigurations selected from the group consisting of 2-2-2, 2-1-2,2-2-3, and 2-1-3.
 27. The CMM of claim 1 including: an electronicidentification chip associated with said housing for uniquelyidentifying said housing.
 28. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said patternis rotatable with said shaft; and said read head is stationary withrespect to said shaft.
 29. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said read head isrotatable with said shaft; and said pattern is stationary with respectto said shaft.
 30. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said housing constitutesthe outer race for both of said two bearings.
 31. The CMM of claim 30wherein: said shaft constitutes the inner race for one of said twobearings.
 32. The CMM of claim 31 including: a bearing nut attachable tosaid shaft, said bearing nut including a bearing surface which definesan inner race for the other of said two bearings.
 33. The CMM of claim32 including: a bearing spacer between said bearing nut and a shoulderextending from said shaft.
 34. The CMM of claim 30 including: at leastone inner bearing spacer associated with said shaft, said inner bearingspacer including a portion thereof which constitutes the inner race forat least one of said two bearings.
 35. The CMM of claim 30 including: afirst inner bearing spacer associated with said shaft, said first innerbearing spacer including a portion thereof which constitutes the innerrace for one of said two bearings; and a second inner bearing spacerassociated with said shaft, said second inner bearing spacer including aportion thereof which constitutes the inner race for the other of saidtwo bearings.
 36. The CMM of claim 35 including: a bearing nutattachable to said shaft for retaining in place said two bearings. 37.The CMM of claim 1 wherein: said shaft constitutes the inner race forboth of said two bearings.
 38. The CMM of claim 37 wherein: said housingconstitutes the outer race for one of said two bearings.
 39. The CMM ofclaim 38 including: a bearing nut attachable to said housing, saidbearing nut including a bearing surface which defines an outer race forthe other of said two bearings.
 40. The CMM of claim 1 wherein: saidhousing, shaft and bearings are all made from the same material.
 41. TheCMM of claim 40 wherein: said material comprises steel.
 42. A portablecoordinate measurement machine (CMM) for measuring the position of anobject in a selected volume, comprising: a manually positionablearticulated arm having opposed first and second ends, said arm includinga plurality of jointed arm segments, each arm segment including at leastone position transducer for producing a position signal; a measurementprobe attached to a first end of said articulated arm; a base attachedto a second end of said articulated arm; an electronic circuit whichreceives the position signals from the transducers and provides adigital coordinate corresponding to the position of the probe in aselected volume; at least one of said jointed arm segments including arotatable shaft, at least two spaced bearings and a housing surroundingsaid bearings and said shaft; and wherein races for said bearings areformed by at least one of the following: (1) said shaft constitutes theinner race of at least one of said two bearings and (2) said housingconstitutes the outer race of at least one of said two bearings.
 43. TheCMM of claim 42 wherein: said housing constitutes the outer race forboth of said two bearings.
 44. The CMM of claim 43 wherein: said shaftconstitutes the inner race for one of said two bearings.
 45. The CMM ofclaim 44 including: a bearing nut attachable to said shaft, said bearingnut including a bearing surface which defines an inner race for theother of said two bearings.
 46. The CMM of claim 45 including: a bearingspacer between said bearing nut and a shoulder extending from saidshaft.
 47. The CMM of claim 42 including: at least one inner bearingspacer associated with said shaft, said inner bearing spacer including aportion thereof which constitutes the inner race for at least one ofsaid two bearings.
 48. The CMM of claim 42 including: a first innerbearing spacer associated with said shaft, said first inner bearingspacer including a portion thereof which constitutes the inner race forone of said two bearings; and a second inner bearing spacer associatedwith said shaft, said second inner bearing spacer including a portionthereof which constitutes the inner race for the other of said twobearings.
 49. The CMM of claim 48 including: a bearing nut attachable tosaid shaft for retaining in place said two bearings.
 50. The CMM ofclaim 42 wherein said shaft constitutes the inner race for both of saidtwo bearings
 51. The CMM of claim 50 wherein: said housing constitutesthe outer race for one of said two bearings.
 52. The CMM of claim 51including: a bearing nut attachable to said housing, said bearing nutincluding a bearing surface which defines an outer race for the other ofsaid two bearings.
 53. The CMM of claim 42 wherein said housing, shaftand bearings are all made from the same material.
 54. The CMM of claim53 wherein: said material comprises steel.